Wednesday, September 21, 2016
See you there!
Our Second Week!
Your children have been working hard this week. It is a big transition to go from the completely play-based Kindergarten program to a more structured Grade One day. They are adjusting very well to the routines. Many are tired by the end of the day so the last block is usually dedicated to free choice learning activities which they may do alone or with peers. For the next two weeks or so we will focus on developing their independence, building community and reviewing basic letter, number, and other math concepts through songs, games, and activities. Those who need more review will be working in small groups to practise these skills, and students who are ready will be encouraged to read and write more.
We started our word wall words and students had a practise quiz on Friday (posted in the agendas). Students were encouraged to locate them on the word wall and spell them. Some guidance was given if needed. The goal is to help students to use the wall to assist them in reading and spelling. We also started to build sentences with them and we discussed the importance of placing a period at the end and a capital letter at the beginning and leaving finger spaces between words. Students will be encouraged to make the transition to writing using both uppercase and lowercase letters in their writing as opposed to all uppercase.
Students also started bringing home their Snuggle Up and Read books. They are learning that they are responsible for changing their book each morning on their own. It may take some juggling in the beginning to support them and ensure they are in their "approximate" reading level. In determining levels it is important to note that students must be able to demonstrate their comprehension of what they have read by being able to retell the story, recall facts, and respond to questions, in addition to reading the words accurately and fluently. In Math, students were busy generating different sorting rules with a variety of materials in the classroom and discovering that there can be more than one way to sort objects. They were challenged to come up with a tricky sorting rule and some of them were very clever. I will post some examples soon!
In Science, our first unit of study will be Daily and Seasonal Cycles. We hope to go outdoors to make some of our observations. We will also be beginning a study of colour in Art. Our Gym days are on Tuesdays, and Thursdays during 4th Bock.
Fire Drills:
Students have practised the procedure for fire drills and they have done very well. In the coming weeks, we will have a practise fire drill with the whole school. I know they are ready! We will also practise the procedure for lockdowns.
Outdoor Garden:On Friday, we changed things up a bit and went to the outdoor garden at the front entrance of the school. Students enjoyed the change of scenery. They were drawing pictures of something they are grateful for as part of God's creation. We will be taking advantage of outdoor learning opportunities in the yard as well as our courtyard garden while the weather permits!
